General Entitlements

Entitlement to Health Services in Ireland provides a general overview of access to services available from the HSE

More specific information on benefits and schemes is listed below.

The Medical Card Scheme entitles certain people  to free public health services. 

The GP Visit Card is available to certain people who are not eligible for medical cards

People with nominated diseases may be eligible for Long Term Illness Scheme, which facilitates access to drugs and medical appliances which are necessary for the treatment and management of specific conditions.

The aim of the National Treatment Purchase Fund is to minimise public patient waiting lists by purchasing procedures from private hospitals.

The Drug Payment Scheme sets a maximum monthly amount that individuals or families have to pay for all presecribed drugs, medicines or appliances that they use.